NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Running back hasn't been a big concern for Iowa football this offseason. 

In fact, it's the exact opposite. 

While the coaching staff turns its attention towards the ongoing quarterback battle, and filling other open spots at special teams and in the trenches, ask any coach about the running back room, and they'll almost exhale a massive sigh of relief. 

Why? Because the Hawkeyes are fielding arguably one of their most-talented running back corps in years. South Dakota transfer L.J. Phillips Jr. has received the bulk of the offseason talk due to his record-breaking season with the Coyotes last year, and Xavier Williams and Nathan McNeil both showed promise in their first years as Hawkeyes, too. 

But some have forgotten about the unquestioned leader of the room (at least entering the season) – Kamari Moulton. 

After waiting in the shadows behind Kaleb Johnson for two seasons, Moulton finally got his chance to be the primary back for Iowa last year. Injuries in the early portion of the season slowed him down, but the Fort Lauderdale, Florida native still tallied 878 rushing yards on 170 carries – more than good enough to be the Hawkeyes' leading rusher. 

Those were all good numbers considering Iowa had three other rushers tally over 200 yards during the season, as was Moulton's average of 5.2 yards per carry, but the thought of being only 122 yards away from a 1,000-yard season still bothers him. 

Missing one game due to injury is a logical explanation, but Moulton chalked it up to something else – finishing, or lack thereof. 

"I feel like I definitely have a chance [to surpass 1,000 yards] for this year if I just stick the course and also like my offensive line for me, just trusting and believing in them and myself as well," Moulton said at Iowa media day on Aug. 14. 

For Moulton, finishing starts with being more explosive. As good as Moulton was for most of the season, he'll probably be the first one to tell you that he should've recorded more than five scores. 

There were several plays where Moulton looked to have an open path to the end zone – Oregon and the ReliaQuest Bowl against Vanderbilt come to mind – only to see the defender catch him at the last second. 

Moulton has honed in on improving a simple, but vital aspect of his game to find that extra explosiveness. 

"It's not going to come in in one day," Moulton said. "It's just really just doing the little things consistently over the summer that that you know that's going make you better." 

Having three years to learn Tim Lester's robust West Coast offense also helps. Moulton admitted he was nervous when he first stepped on the Kinnick Stadium turf a few years ago, but a few years of grinding in the weight room has changed everything. 

"I would definitely say I really under understand the game a lot more, and just knowing where I need to be and like what I need to do on every play," Moulton said. 

There's no reason to believe why 2026 won't be a big year for Moulton. Not only is he predicting it himself, he's going even bigger than that. 

"[I] really do think highly of myself, and I want to succeed," Moulton said. "I want to be able to be on on Kinnick [an honoree on the press box] when I'm done with college football here."

You Can Win FREE Tickets To Iowa's Season Opener! 

HawkeyeRoundtable is giving away TWO tickets to Iowa's season opener against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5! 

This is easily the biggest giveaway we've ever done on this site, and it's a great opportunity for two lucky fans to experience the joy of attending a Hawkeye football game at Kinnick Stadium. 

Click here to automatically become a member to enter the contest! Additional contest details can be found in our community section, too! 

HawkeyeRoundtable publisher Brad Schultz has covered the Iowa Hawkeyes since 2023. To send him story ideas, scoops, or criticize his writing, reach him at bradschultz@roundtable.io

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos